Nursery management is critical for healthy, fast-growing pigs, according to Steve Toft, Hubbard Feeds swine specialist, including later weaning and high feed intake.
Three factors in particular — high health, high feed intake and fast growth — go together to improve producers' profits by reducing the cost of feed per pound of grain. In addition, several things can be done to allow pigs to make a smooth transition to the growth-finish phase, according to Hubbard swine specialists:
- Get pigs on full feed as quickly as possible
- Provide fresh, clean water at all times
- Monitor and adjust ventilation to prevent drafts
- Monitor air quality
- Continually monitor pigs for any signs of stress or abnormalities
- Check feeders for proper adjustment
- Make sure the temperature guideline for the first week in the nursery is an 84-degree set point
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